The London Lions head to Glasgow for the BBL’s first ever all London Final. The Lions will face off against their South London Rival, the London City Royals on Sunday 10th of March for the right to be crowned 2019 BBL Trophy Champions.
History In The Making?
Coach Macaulay’s men are looking to maintain what has been their best season since moving to London in 2012. The Lions have already claimed the BBL cup and are looking to secure the first ever cup double in the team’s history.
The team are also favourites for the league as they currently sit top of the table with a two-point lead over the Leicester Riders, last year’s champions. With expectations higher than ever in East London, Lions’ guard Jordan Spencer preached patience and ensured the team will not get ahead of themselves.
“Were taking it one game at a time. We got some big games coming up in the league first and were looking to get past those and we’ll start feeling excited then.”
Composure Is Key
Remaining focused and not letting the occasion get to the players will be vital for the two squads, especially as this is somewhat uncharted territory for both teams. The Lions last appeared in the big game back in 2002 and as for the Royals, it will be their first final appearance in the teams young history.
Not enough can be said about how impressive it is for the Royals to have made the trophy finals in their very first season in the BBL. Now their Cinderella story could have the perfect ending by defeating their cross-town adversaries and establishing a rivalry for years to come.
Keeping Tabbs On The Trophy
Despite having everything too lose in this game, Lions forward Ladarius Tabb is ecstatic about the opportunity to play in the first ever all-London final.
“It’s great, it’s great for the people, and it’s great for the fans in London. Hopefully the people can come out to Glasgow and support both teams, because both teams have got great players but at the same time we’re trying to bring the trophy home so may the best team win.”
Tabb is clearly confident ahead of the big game, despite having to travel to another country to play. Many Lions players, including Jordan Spencer have voiced frustration at the final being played in Glasgow. It will be very difficult for fans from either team to travel to the game which could have a serious effect on the atmosphere.
“It’s just a shame that it’s so far away from home. But I’m sure it will be a great game and a lot of people will be tuning in.” Spencer articulated.
Battle For London Supremacy
As Spencer suggests, many fans will be tuning in to watch the game from home and it really will be a must watch. With this being only the second ever meeting between the two clubs, it means that anything could happen. In their only previous meeting the Lions came out on top with a comfortable 80-63 victory.
However after a slow start this season the Royals have been on a tear in 2019 and are on a staggering nine-game win streak heading in to the final. If form is anything to go by the Lions will face their toughest test to date this season. Despite this, Lions All-Star forward Tabb plans on making an example of the young Royals team.
“We’re excited you know. We basically trying to send a message to those boys across the street. We here, we here to stay and we’re still number one. We’re ready to come out and play London Lions’ basketball.
